Exposure and Absorption of PAHs in Wildland Firefighters: A Field Study with Pilot Interventions.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

There is limited knowledge of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in wildland firefighters, or of the effectiveness of interventions to reduce this. This study of wildland firefighters assessed whether PAHs were present and considered respiratory protection and enhanced skin hygiene as possible interventions.

Methods

1-Hydroxypyrene (1-HP) was measured in urine samples collected pre-shift, post-shift, and next morning from wildland firefighters in Alberta and British Columbia. Skin wipes, collected pre- and post-shift, were analysed for eight PAHs. Breathing zone air samples were analysed for 11 PAHs. As pilot interventions, participants were randomized to either normal or enhanced skin hygiene. A sample of volunteers was assigned to a disposable N

SUBMITTER: Cherry N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7938344 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature